Maintain strong oral health with Ocean Dental’s expert scaling and polishing services in Singapore.
Scaling and polishing is a routine dental procedure that removes plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surface and along the gumline. Scaling targets the buildup that brushing and flossing can’t reach, while polishing smooths and shines the teeth, making it harder for plaque and bacteria to accumulate. This helps prevent common dental issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. In Singapore, dentists generally recommend this treatment every six months as part of regular oral care.
Also known as professional dental cleaning, dental scaling and polishing is one of the most important procedures for maintaining good dental hygiene and long-term oral health. Even with consistent brushing and flossing, dental plaque and tartar can still form on teeth—especially after meals—leading to gum inflammation or tooth cavities over time.
During scaling, your dentist uses an ultrasonic scaler to remove hardened tartar (also known as calculus) from the teeth and gumline. The device uses gentle vibrations and water spray to effectively break down and flush away debris, offering a faster method than traditional hand scalers.
Polishing follows scaling, using a soft rotating cup or brush with a special polishing paste. This step removes remaining surface stains and smooths the enamel, making it more difficult for plaque to stick and helping maintain cleaner, healthier teeth between visits.
Treatment | Cost (before GST) | Cost (after GST) |
Scaling and polishing | $80 – $150 | $87.20 – $163.50 |
Scaling and root planing (per tooth) | $30 – $50 | $32.70 – $54.50 |
Scaling and root planing (per quadrant) | $150 – $300 | $163.50 – $327 |
At Ocean Dental, our scaling and polishing prices range from $80 to $150, depending on your existing oral hygiene condition.
For more severe cases such as periodontitis, advanced gum disease treatment may be necessary.
Scaling and root planing, also known as deep cleaning, is required when tartar is present inside the deep pockets caused by gum disease.
The cost for root planing ranges from $30 to $50 per tooth, or between $150 to $300 per quadrant.
In Singapore, subsidies for scaling and polishing are available through the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).
CHAS cardholders can enjoy these benefits by presenting their NRIC/birth certificate and valid CHAS card (available via digital format on the Singpass mobile app).
The amount cardholders pay will be based on the clinic’s fees, minus the CHAS subsidies.
Different tiers of CHAS cards come with varying subsidy amounts.
Cardholders are entitled to scaling and polishing twice per calendar year!
Type of CHAS Card | Subsidy Amount |
Pioneer Generation (PG) | $70.50 |
Merdeka Generation (MG) | $60.50 |
Blue CHAS Card | $50.50 |
Orange CHAS Card | Not available |
Green CHAS Card | Not available |
Some dental plaque which cannot be removed by regular brushing, hardens and forms calculus (commonly known as tartar) which contain harmful bacteria that can harm both your teeth and gums, potentially leading to gum disease.
The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis, characterized by gum inflammation, redness, and easy bleeding.
Without proper treatment, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form called periodontitis.
In periodontitis, damage occurs to the inner layer of the gums, causing the bone to recede from your teeth and forming small pockets.
As it worsens, these pockets deepen, resulting in more gum tissue and bone destruction, ultimately loosening the teeth.
If left untreated, this condition may lead to tooth loss in the long run!
A good oral hygiene routine includes a regular dental scaling and polishing which can help prevent these issues and maintain good oral health.
Here’s a simple 3-step overview of the dental scaling and polishing procedure:
Targeted Cleaning
Special attention is given to tight spaces between teeth and areas just below the gum line, where bacteria are most likely to form tartar and cause gum disease.
Air Polishing Process
The Prophy-Jet sprays a concentrated mix of air, water, and fine powder onto the teeth.
This effectively removes bacterial plaque and extrinsic stains, resulting in a cleaner, smoother finish.
At the end of the procedure, our dental professional will provide oral hygiene instructions, including proper tooth brushing and flossing techniques, to help you maintain your oral health at home.
In some cases, we may offer fluoride treatment after scaling and polishing to further prevent tooth decay by increasing your teeth’s resistance to acid attacks from oral bacteria.
Choosing Ocean Dental Singapore for your dental scaling and polishing offers several advantages!
Our skilled dentists are trained in various areas of dental care, ensuring thorough and gentle cleaning.
We use advanced ultrasonic scalers and polishing tools for efficient and effective treatments.
We tailor our services to suit individual patient needs, considering factors like tooth sensitivity.
Our clinic is designed to reduce dental anxiety, creating a calm atmosphere for your dental procedures.
We've received numerous positive reviews highlighting our excellent service and professional staff.
No, when performed by qualified professionals, scaling and polishing is not harmful to your teeth.
It’s a crucial part of maintaining good oral health.
While every 4-6 months is common, the frequency depends on your individual oral health condition.
Your dentist will recommend a personalized schedule.
If done regularly, scaling and polishing is usually painless. Discomfort may occur if your gums are unhealthy or sore.
Local anesthesia can be provided if needed.
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis).
Continue brushing and flossing, and visit your dentist promptly for proper treatment.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, includes gingivitis (early stage) and periodontitis (advanced stage).
It’s caused by plaque accumulation and can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
Gum disease is usually caused by poor oral hygiene, resulting in plaque and tartar buildup.
Regular dental check-ups and proper oral care are crucial for preventing gum disease and maintaining optimal oral health.
Don’t hesitate to contact us!
